jay
Trail Wise!
Posts: 152
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Post by jay on Nov 18, 2015 4:04:10 GMT -8
Most of us know the standard gear necessary for a good trip. I would like to ask for input as far as any gear you have found multiple or "out of the box" applications for. I think this would be something we could all benefit from and now especially since we have some new faces that have limited backpacking experience.
For me, it is a 50' length of paracord. It weighs virtually nothing, takes up next to no space and you can find a lot of uses for it if you have some basic knot tying skills.
I am sure that some of you have come up with some great applications for equipment that others have not thought about, give us the benefit of your experience, please.
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amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
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Post by amaruq on Nov 18, 2015 4:32:03 GMT -8
After reading your first paragraph I thought to myself (verbatim) "I'm still finding new uses for 50' of rope." Then you immediately beat me to it.
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jay
Trail Wise!
Posts: 152
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Post by jay on Nov 18, 2015 4:39:44 GMT -8
paracord is like duct tape, the applications are limited only by your imagination.
I would point out that I carry a small roll of duct tape as well.
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markskor
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Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
Posts: 651
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Post by markskor on Nov 18, 2015 6:45:35 GMT -8
A few more weightless but multi-use items carried - Dental floss (and a needle) - Superglue - A single but strong 'Biner
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Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 18, 2015 7:30:53 GMT -8
Besides their obvious uses:
watch cap - cozy for freezer bag cooking toilet paper - facial tissue - stuff inside wet boots at night duct tape - good substitute for mole skin
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jay
Trail Wise!
Posts: 152
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Post by jay on Nov 18, 2015 7:55:06 GMT -8
watch cap - cozy for freezer bag cooking I never thought of that. Thanks!
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balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...
Posts: 4,551
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Post by balzaccom on Nov 18, 2015 8:06:22 GMT -8
Bandana. Serves as a water filter to strain muddy or algae-thick water, a potholder for cooking, a light towel for drying off your feet after a stream crossing, a do-rag to keep your head warm, a face mask for dust or skeeters.
And you can always blow your nose in it!
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 18, 2015 8:18:36 GMT -8
Bandana. Serves as a water filter to strain muddy or algae-thick water, a potholder for cooking, a light towel for drying off your feet after a stream crossing, a do-rag to keep your head warm, a face mask for dust or skeeters. And you can always blow your nose in it! I often carry two. One is for things like pre-filtering water and lifting pots. The other is a pee rag, also used for drying feet and other dirty jobs--drying the tent, etc. Easily rinsed and quick-drying. I also often use my hat for a FB cozy. The paracord is a clothesline all afternoon and then hangs our food. I've even used it to haul a pack up or down a nasty bit where I don't want to climb with weight on my back. I can't think of anything else that gets used multiple ways, right off hand.
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Post by atvtuner on Nov 18, 2015 10:44:32 GMT -8
My standard semi-ultralite load has trekking poles for tent poles. Hmmm, I have a plastic magnifying glass as third alternative for getting an emergency fire going, but I mostly look at stuff with it.
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Westy
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Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
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Post by Westy on Nov 18, 2015 11:30:44 GMT -8
For me, it's my 3-season luxury item.
I carry a 12.5" x 9" x 0.38" piece of blue closed cell foam weighing in at .036 oz. The corners are slightly cut and rounded to prevent tears. The primary purpose is to enhance creature comfort when sitting on rough, wet or cold rock, wood and ground. It can also be used to smooth terrain bumps while sleeping or be added to a stuff sack with clothing items for ad hoc construction of a pillow.
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Post by red dog on Nov 18, 2015 12:18:42 GMT -8
Did you know you can actually grow fresh sprouts on the trail in a Nalgene? For longer trips, you can get a batch of greens every 2 or 3 days. Here, I took the top from a plastic soda bottle and drilled a couple holes in it. I pump filtered water directly into my narrow top Platypus water bags. I carry a few of those silly mini-bungee cords. Helps keep ‘stuff’ off of the ground and organized while at camp.
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Post by llamero on Nov 18, 2015 16:00:44 GMT -8
I would point out that I carry a small roll of duct tape as well. Same here, except I wrap duct tape around my Nalgene bottle. Sort of serves as insulation and takes up less room than the original roll.
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Post by llamero on Nov 18, 2015 16:02:32 GMT -8
Did you know you can actually grow fresh sprouts on the trail in a Nalgene? For longer trips, you can get a batch of greens every 2 or 3 days. That is excellent. How did I ever overlook that?
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balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...
Posts: 4,551
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Post by balzaccom on Nov 18, 2015 22:00:58 GMT -8
"For me, it's my 3-season luxury item.
I carry a 12.5" x 9" x 0.38" piece of blue closed cell foam weighing in at .036 oz. The corners are slightly cut and rounded to prevent tears. The primary purpose is to enhance creature comfort when sitting on rough, wet or cold rock, wood and ground. It can also be used to smooth terrain bumps while sleeping or be added to a stuff sack with clothing items for ad hoc construction of a pillow."
All of the above. And we also use them for windbreaks for the stove...and it sure feels good under your old knees when you are climbing into the tent.
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Post by Lonewolf on Nov 19, 2015 4:10:36 GMT -8
I've used a piece of CC foam for years as a seat, door mat, dog bed, something to kneel on when getting water on rocks or wet creek banks. A small piece can be cut off for a bobber/float on a fishing line. I've gone through several but this is usually part of a cheap Walmart/no-name pad so no biggy.
Outside of BPing, I carry half of one in each vehicle for use if I have to work on it.
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